Origin and Etymology of gall

Middle English, from Old English gealla; akin to Greek cholē, cholos gall, wrath, Old English geolu yellow — more at yellow

First Known Use: before 12th century

Synonym Discussion of gall

temerity, audacity, hardihood, effrontery, nerve, cheek, gall, chutzpah mean conspicuous or flagrant boldness. temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger <had the temerity to refuse>. audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence <an entrepreneur with audacity and vision>. hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance <admired for her hardihood>. effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy <outraged at his effrontery>. nerve, cheek, gall, and chutzpah are informal equivalents for effrontery<the nerve of that guy><has the cheek to call herself a singer><had the gall to demand proof><the chutzpah needed for a career in show business>.

2

gall

noun

Definition of gall

1a: a skin sore caused by chronic irritationb: a cause or state of exasperation